Pleasure Beach Resort (Previously Pleasure Beach and before that Blackpool Pleasure Beach) is situated along the Fylde coast in Blackpool, Lancashire and is a 42 acre amusement park owned and managed by the Thompson family. The park is famous for its bright and cheery history, and for this reason still fully operates some of the oldest and most traditional coming-of-age rides in the country. Most noticeable of the park is the fact that it houses five wooden roller coasters, including 'Grand National' which has become a world famous coaster in its own right. This double-racing twin tracked coaster is now over 60 years old but is still in full working order.

Then there are the Golden oldies, such as the Big Dipper which once held roller coaster marathon runner Richard Rodriguez. As old as the park itself, this classic wooden coaster is a must for families and thrill seekers alike! For a competetive edge, thrill seekers can rival each other on the Grand National, a Charles Paige designed wooden thriller with an intense double drop and lightening fast turns and plummets. Speaking of competition, why not climb into your own bobsled and take for the high speed tracks of the Avalanche with its twists and turns- its the only bobsled ride in the UK! After that turn your world upside down on the Barr sponsored Irn-Bru Revolution, then get ready to do it in reverse- a real stonmach churning coaster to savour. Don't miss the UK's most famous and admired roller coaster- the 215ft Pepsi Max Big One. This towering ride is as famous in the architect world as it is amongst the enthusiasts, and no wonder! Reaching speeds of up to 77mph this amazing coaster is certainly head and shoulders above the rest and will no doubt take you to new heights. Bling will have you in a headrush as its glittering goondolas swing you in all different directions! For a complete rush take your seat on Ice Blast as it catapults you 210ft up its steel tower then catch your breath and your stomach at the top as your crescendo brings you crashing back down to earth. Round of your day with a ride on Valhalla, the multi million pound Millenium investment that will take you through storms, snow, wind and fire on its Viking legacy. Thrilling drops, sudden changes in temperature and amazing special effects mean that you simply cannot ignor this world-class water ride- but remember you will get wet! (TIP- buy a rain mac!)

In terms of dining, guests are extremely well catered for. Known for its high design architect work and theatric themeing, Pleasure Beach has some of the fanciest catering outlets in the industry! From traditional grab-and-takeaway bites at the UK's largest Burger King chain to posh wining and dining in the privatley-hired White Tower restaurant and not forgetting the American diner 'Coasters', eating has never been so easy or so pleasing at Pleasure Beach! Entry to the park is dealt with in 2 ways... you may either purchase a ride wristband (£15 for children and usually £25-34 for adults, season depending) or a new 'Freedom Pass' for £5 which allows you entry into the park. Once you have your tickets (which is usually a fast and painless job despite the fear inducing queues to get into the park) you enter under one of the parks oldest (now un-operating) rides 'Noah's Ark' where you are assisted by park admin or security guards who will check any of your items before allowing you onto the park. One personal items have been checked, you must enter your specially printed Freedom Pass (which is given free upon purchase of a wristband) into a scanning machine which subsequently unlocks a turnstile which you may now pass to access the park. Although this air-port tight security measure may seem daunting it is actually very effective and doesn't affect you too much following you follow all procedures. Once you are onto the park itself you are left to your own free will, however in order to access rides and most attractions you must scan your wristband at each entrance to unlock the turnstiles.